r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • 5d ago
Neuroscience New study finds online self-reports may not accurately reflect clinical autism diagnoses. Adults who report high levels of autistic traits through online surveys may not reflect the same social behaviors or clinical profiles as those who have been formally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
https://www.psypost.org/new-study-finds-online-self-reports-may-not-accurately-reflect-clinical-autism-diagnoses/
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u/Professional-Box4153 5d ago
What about those who have been formally diagnosed (without their knowledge), find out about it later, and then look back on their life and think, "Oh. That's why" ?
I've been in therapy for most of my life because I always felt there was something "wrong". I've always felt disconnected or left out. Everyone else gets the jokes, but they make no sense to me. That sort of thing. I've had multiple professionals tell me I should get tested for ASD. Every time I've looked into it, it never happens. "I'd like to focus on your depression." is a favorite among therapists.
I was given a full psych profile test while going through vocational rehabilitation. I have trouble keeping jobs, so I figured they could help me with accommodations. They never told me the results of the psych profile. They just said that I was eligible to work. Fast forward 7 years and I'm asking my current therapist what it takes to get an ASD diagnosis since I've been told to look into it. She tells me "You already have one." She had obtained my records from voc rehab.
Turns out, the psych profile they did had me diagnosed as "Autism Spectrum, severe" (which honestly kind of sounds harsh for some reason). In times of high stress, I exhibit many signs of autism (such as being nonverbal, rocking back and forth, the works). I just rarely allow myself to experience that level of stress (if I can help it). I tend to remove myself from stressful situations, which I'm sure is some other diagnosable trait, but that's beside the point.
Anyway, working with my therapist, I was able to recognize many traits of mine that prove the diagnosis. Just wish I knew what to do with any of it. Congratulations. I'm diagnosed... Now what? My mother still refuses to acknowledge it. I still can't hold a job. Getting a diagnosis of ASD hasn't really done anything for me other than putting a name to my "quirky" behavior.